Laser Cut + The Vanity: NovaWhite.

I scored these adorable laser cut shorts at Dandy Boutique when I was in Charleston for Giant Conference last week. (As if I could resist a little shopping, even on a business trip.) I was drawn to the cute laser cut detailing and the scalloped hem; not your basic black shorts, but still super easy to wear. I bought ‘em a size up to maximize the slouch factor, and paired them with a printed Anthropologie tee last seen styled for the office for their inaugural run.

It’s a t-shirt and shorts, people. So simple and comfy, but the style factor gets a buzz from the bright pumps, fun print on the tee, detailing on the shorts, and a sparkly statement necklace. It’s all in the details.

The Vanity: NovaWhite Review.

What girl (guy, person, human being) doesn’t want a brighter smile? I’ve whitened my teeth periodically for years to keep things on the white ‘n bright, so I was more than game when NovaWhite reached out with the opportunity to try their whitening gel.

What I like to see? 22%. NovaWhite’s whitening gels are 22% carbamide peroxide (CP), and that’s legit bleaching power. You can’t find this in your standard white strips, that’s for sure.

Image courtesy of NovaWhite

The package came with a set of dental trays that mold to your mouth. (You boil water, dunk for 10-15 seconds, pop in your mouth, and bite down to form to your teeth.) The custom fit trays ensure the whitening gel gets in all those little cracks and crevices. When you’re ready to bleach, run a thin line of the whitening gel along the bottom front of each tray and you’re 15-30 minutes away from a whiter smile. (Bonus: the whitening gel is mint-flavored, which means no gross aftertaste.)

You can use the gels daily, but pay attention if you notice sensitivity after bleaching. My teeth are fairly sensitive, so I started with 15-minute whitening sessions every other day. I upped it to about 20 minutes every day for a little over a week.

A few tips I’ve learned from bleaching:

Don’t overfill the trays with gel. A little bleach goes a long way, and you don’t want the bleach to sit on the gums (which can cause irritation).

Be careful to avoid dark/colorful foods and beverages during the first 24 hours after whitening. The CP gel temporarily opens the pores in your teeth, and until these pores close again your teeth are more susceptible to stains. Steer clear of red wine, coffee, tea, dark sodas, mustard, etc., for about 24 hours after a whitening round.

Don’t be afraid to take a break. If you’re sensitive after a whitening session, take a day or two off.

Maintenance is key. The whitening effect won’t last forever; you’ll likely have to bleach periodically to maintain that bright new smile of yours.

Store unused whitening gels in a cool, dark place. Better yet: toss those bad boys in a plastic bag and place ‘em in your fridge. That will keep them ready to roll for up to 18 months.

My results? Here are before and after shots taken about a week apart. I can definitely tell a difference; my smile is a bit brighter, and I think that will only progress the longer I whiten.

Love the print of the top, so pretty and the orange is a great color. Your shorts are very feminine and pretty as well
co host from the link up, jess
please stop byhttp://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

wow i am so in love with the top, and it looks amazing styled with the necklace and shoes, great job!
and ooo, this sounds like such a cool product, your teeth look great!
x
♥ Ellen #NZbloggerSHOPSTYLECONQUER.COM Facebook + Instagram

[…] I like mine above the knee, with a racerback, and in a fun print. This dress from The Single Thread Boutique checks all three requirements. And styling this number was a breeze: I belted it using my all-time fave from Linea Pelle (it has holes all the way around, which means you can wear it at the hip and the natural waist; brilliant), a few bits of gold + a wrap watch, and a pair of orange pumps (which I’m obsessed with, exhibits A and B). […]